Farmers getting federal 'Census of Agriculture' survey by mail

Iowa farmers soon will receive the annual Census of Agriculture survey in the mail from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The survey, sent to farmers and ranchers very five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation.

The census provides detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture, looking at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the 2012 Census of Agriculture will provide farmers and ranchers with a powerful voice heard in Washington, D.C.

"The information gathered through the Census influences policy decisions that can have a tremendous impact on farmers and their communities for years to come," Vilsack said, noting that census information also influences community growth and development.

Many companies review Census of Agriculture data when determining where to establish or expand businesses, as well as where to go for supplies of locally-produced food and agricultural products. Vilsack said information from the census also is valuable to explain the many ways farming is important to urban or non-farming residents and decision-makers.

"Along with their accomplishments as business men and women, farmers know about the challenges they face in their local areas," Vilsack said. "Taking part in the census helps tell the true story about the state of agriculture in the United States today."

All farmers and ranchers should receive a census form in the mail by early January. Completed forms are due by Feb. 4, 2013.

Farmers can return their forms by mail or complete them online by going to a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov.

Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the census and requires the National Agricultural Statistics Service to keep all individual information confidential.